The members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Mission of Seventh-day Adventists were elated to have the Honorable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson — the recently elected first female Premiere of the country — in attendance at its annual convention. The convention was held at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales on January 20-21, 2017.

Ho. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson addressing the members during convention.

In bringing greetings to the congregation during the divine service on Saturday morning, the Hon. Cartwright- Robinson commented on the convention’s theme ‘Lord Transform me for Your Service.’ “When we have these themes that bring it individually to us, it causes us to take stock of where we are and then make a fresh commitment. I pray that as you meet under this theme that each of you are individually moved to make a personal commitment that calls for a willing spirit and I believe that the work of the Seventh-day Adventists has greater levels to attain.” She also commended the church for its work through Christian education at the Maranatha Academy and its humanitarian work through the Turks and Caicos arm of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency.

The Leader of the Opposition, the Honorable Charles Washington Misick also brought greetings and lauded the denomination for its practical ministry in the community.

Convention 2017

Guest speaker for the convention was Dr. Leonard Johnson, President of the Atlantic Caribbean Union. During his sermon on Saturday morning Dr. Johnson emphasized the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice and high priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary that brings about change in the life of the believer. “It is one that is not so popular in all circles but I want to tell you this message of the sanctuary brings about a reformation and a transformation,” said Dr. Johnson. He looked at the sanctuary in the Old Testament, the interpretation of the Millerites as to the cleaning of the sanctuary (Daniel 8:14) and the birth of the Seventh-day Adventists and the true interpretation of the cleansing that Jesus is performing as our high priest presently.

Dr. Leonard Johnson delivering the word of God.

The Atlantic Caribbean Union also pledged an initial amount of $10,000 towards the construction of the TCI Mission headquarters. The Mission is seeking to construct this building as it seeks to transition from a mission to a conference in the near future. The Mission President, Pastor Michael A. Smith, expressed his gratitude to the union for their support and also charged the membership to continue to focus on the mission of spreading the gospel to every individual in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Maranatha Academy was featured during the convention as students of the institution took charge of the Sabbath School program. The institution has continued to make the church proud as it has excelled academically, in extracurricular activities and in soul winning.

The Providenciales convention was the first leg of several conventions that are to take place on the other islands in our territory, namely Grand Turk, North Caicos and South Caicos.